Stefan Gläser’s book Napoleon’s Women was the inspirational tour de force behind Dolce & Gabbana’s new collection. Reinterpreting the story from a gender bending angle, the Milanese designers sent out a bipolar collection. On the one side stood Napoleon; regal yet savage in his military regalia, riding boots and jodhpurs. Opposite him, Josephine bowed gracefully, her ephemeral gown dripping with beads, feathers and Lesage embroideries.

Ultimately, the show ran the gamut from stern androgyny to bejeweled extravagance. At times, the creations ran the risk of appearing too costumey, but when have Domenico and Stefano ever shied away from theatrics?

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